Winter work

[voyager]

Was removing my tank for my intake / fuel processor work to be done, and wanted to add how easy the tank removal is. If anyone is in doubt, please just go ahead and try. My tank was completely full for its' winter storage and I didn't loose a drop. My son helped me lift it off and place if off to the side. I capped the three hoses that had to be removed, disconnected the two connectors on top of the battery, laid the instrument panel down over my engine guard on the left hand side, and that was it.
One thing for all to be aware of, I was giving the top end a good look over and notice some antifreeze seepage around the pipe where the water hose connects from the regulator housing to the front head. This area of leakage has been mentioned on this forum many times but my bike has only 8000 kms on it. The rear head connection showed no sign of leakage, but when I take it back to the dealer in the Spring, I will make sure they address both heads. Bike is still under warranty otherwise I would do the job myself. The rear head is the troublesome one, getting the retaining screw out far enough to remove the pipe is in question. It appears it will hit the throttle body before it comes free. Anyway, for this situation the dealer can deal with it. This kind of leak at this stage will only weep when the engine is cold, when it warms up, the antifreeze dries up and the o-ring on the pipe expands enough to stop the seepage. Most may never see the problem if they never remove the tank. Just a heads up to all and with your bike down for the Winter you might as well check all these things out before the riding season next year.

Take care and good luck, Voyager

[VulcanE]

Yes Voyager, that is the weak spot on the cooling system. A couple of weeks ago, I was sitting in traffic at a stop light and smelled anti-freeze. I went by the dealer and ordered all three of the "o" rings (74 cents each). I pulled the tank and had no leaks. The smell must have been coming from one of the cages that was around me. When I say all 3, I'm talking about the 2 that goes into the heads (1 each) and the one that goes to the water pump hose on the water pump.

[dogdoc]

tank removal is EASY. 10 minute job at most. no gas spills.

[cactusjack]

One caveat regarding tank removal. Those crappy little hose clamps on the 3 small rubber hoses tend to slip down the hose after you remove them. When I did my re-wire job a few weeks ago, I had the two nearest the seat slide down so far I couldn't retrieve them and work them back up to the top. Fortunately, the hoses fit snugly but I am going to have to replace them next time I remove the tank.

[dogdoc]

little radiator screw clamps would work well too Scott.

[radco]

To keep the clamps from falling all the way down,,, while holding the tank up.. have someone wrap a few turns of electrical tape around the hose near the fram,, the clamp will only slid to the tape :)......